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Showbiz Tonight
Lindsay Lohan-John Travolta Shocker; Brett Favre Bombshell; Karina Smirnoff`s Cold Feet; Pia Toscano and Mark Ballas` Reported Romance; Breaking News on David Arquette and Courteney Cox; Katie Couric Leaving CBS?
Aired April 12, 2011 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, CO-HOST: Big news, breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT -- a Lindsay Lohan/John Travolta shocker today. What was Lindsay doing at John Travolta`s news conference about his new John Gotti movie? And my revealing one-on-one showbiz newsmaker interview with Travolta.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHN TRAVOLTA, ACTOR: She`s a good actress. She certainly has the looks and the feeling of the young Victoria.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST: Bombshell confessions about Brett. Today, for the very first time, the woman who claims Brett Favre sexted her tells her is story.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This has nothing to do with Brett Favre. I just want people to know me and to know that I`m not a gold digger and I`m not a home wrecker.
HAMMER: Karina`s cold feet? Is "Dancing with the Stars`" Karina Smirnoff regretting posing for "Playboy"? Brand-new revelations today. And our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint -- did Karina make a big mistake?
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ breaks big news today about the reported romance between "American Idol`s" Pia Toscano and "Dancing with the Stars`" Mark Ballas.
HAMMER: TV`s most provocative TV news show --
ANDERSON: Breaks news right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, coming to you from New York City.
ANDERSON: Hi, there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood with big news breaking today -- Lindsay Lohan could be saying today, A.J., "Make me an offer I can`t refuse."
HAMMER: That`s right, Brooke. And this is just out of control. I couldn`t believe my eyes today. So I go to interview John Travolta all about his big announcement that he`s playing mob boss, John Gotti, and Lindsay Lohan shows up.
I was there today when Lindsay showed up all smiles at this press event with John Travolta promoting his just-announced role in the new movie about notorious mob boss, John Gotti, Sr.
Now, the biopic due to come out next year is called "Gotti: Three Generations." And Lindsay still hasn`t officially signed on to the film. But look at her. Look at her there with John Travolta. I would say the deal is as good as in the bag, Brooke.
ANDERSON: But A.J. -- A.J., don`t get ahead of yourself because there are a lot of doubts today, too. Lindsay is still in major hot water facing a potential jail sentence on a jewelry theft charge.
And look, I`m rooting for Lindsay. She`s in talks to play Gotti`s daughter, Victoria. Hey, I think she can do a phenomenal job, but she does have a terrible reputation in Hollywood right now as unreliable.
She has that potential trial facing her for allegedly stealing a necklace from a jewelry store. I want to bring in the fabulous Sheryl Lee Ralph who is a producer, AIDS activist and actress.
Sheryl Lee, as an actress, you would know better than anybody else. Do you think the producers of this new Gotti film would be taking a big gamble by signing Lindsay?
SHERYL LEE RALPH, PRODUCER, AIDS ACTIVIST AND ACTRESS: Hey, listen. Show business is all about relationship -- who likes you, who feels good about giving you their money. It`s all about the bottom line, baby. And somebody believes that Lindsay Lohan is going to deliver on the bottom line. That`s what counts. I`m rooting for her. You go, Lindsay.
ANDERSON: She certainly seems excited about the possibility. And in that video, when she`s standing next to Victoria, they have the same long blond tresses. She kind of looks made for the role.
RALPH: Absolutely.
ANDERSON: Victoria, as I said, was at that news conference. And Victoria told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT herself that she would absolutely love for Lindsay to get the part. And as for Lindsay`s bad rep, well, she`s not worried. Watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VICTORIA GOTTI, JOHN GOTTI`S DAUGHTER: You know what? I`m proud of her. I get a kick out of her. And you know, she is a kid. She is a kid. I think we expect so much of her. She`s 24. You know, I have a 24-year-old son.
And you know, we`re all going to make mistakes growing up. And you know, looking at her today, she`s beautiful. She looks beautiful. She`s got such a great head on her shoulders and she can do so much with her life.
And I love to hear her say that, because she knows she can. And I think she will. And my money`s on her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: All right. I want to bring in Megan Alexander, a correspondent for "Inside Edition." Megan, Victoria seems like one of Lindsay`s biggest defenders today. So what do you think, can Lindsay deliver?
MEGAN ALEXANDER, CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": It just seems like the stage is already set, Brooke. I`ve got to tell you, hearing Victoria Gotti -- she sounds like a member of the Lohan family, the way she talks about her.
And look, John Travolta, arguably, one of the best actors in Hollywood, also one of the nicest guys. I have a feeling once he signs on to take on the role that he`s going to have a little bit of a say in the cast.
So you`ve got to wonder, what`s going on behind the scenes right now that sealed the deal? What does Lindsay need to do to get the role? But the fact that she showed up and took the pictures -- I think it proves a pretty big point that they`re right there.
I`d love to see her buckle down, Brooke, take this chance. It may be her last chance to just buckle down and do good work. She`s a good actress. You know, putting all the drama aside, she is a good actress and I think she could just nail this role.
ANDERSON: She does have talent when she puts her mind to it, when she digs deep. A.J., you were right there at that press event for this new Travolta film. Lindsay looked terrific. But what do you think? Can she pull it off?
HAMMER: Yes. I mean, I think if she stays out of trouble, sure. And as Megan said, it could be the best thing to happen to her in a long time.
And I agree, John Travolta is one of the most level-headed guys in the business. She`s a big fan of his, something he made clear today. So I think she`d be lucky to have him taking her under his wing if this all come together.
Now, I did try to speak to Lindsay today at that press conference. She refused to do any interviews. But what does the big guy himself, John Travolta, think about the possibility of working with Lindsay?
Now, you`ve got to watch what he told me today in the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsmaker interview. He was all smiles when we were talking Lindsay Lohan. Let`s watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera): A huge buzz over the possibility that Lindsay Lohan might be signing on to join you in this film, obviously would be a huge vote of confidence by the movie studio to bring her on board.
Why do you think she`d be right for the role? Other than the fact she`s obviously a very gifted actress. But why do you think she would be right for the role in this film?
TRAVOLTA: Well, primarily, because she`s a gifted actress. I mean, that`s really what it takes. And she certainly has the looks and the feeling of the young Victoria -- so, yes.
HAMMER: Well, she`s been through quite a lot. You can`t ignore the fact that a lot of what happens in her personal life has sort of overshadowed what goes on in her professional life. Is that any concern for you if she does join up with the film, that that`s the stuff that would wind up getting all the attention?
TRAVOLTA: No, because if the film`s good, that stuff goes by the wayside. If a film`s not good, then that stuff`s more interesting.
HAMMER: Yes.
TRAVOLTA: It`s always the case.
HAMMER: And she`s at a huge crossroads right now. Any advice for her regardless of whether or not she joins up with the film in sort of navigating the water she`s in?
TRAVOLTA: Well, I would have to spend more time to know what kind of advice to give anybody. I wouldn`t jump to that conclusion without knowing them better.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: The always diplomatic John Travolta. Look, it`s apparent that Lindsay has the support of John and the Gotti family. If she can pull this off and be a big hit in this movie, I`m thinking this will set her life and her career on a new course that definitely could be full of opportunity for her.
Sheryl Lee, back to you. This is potentially Lindsay`s big ticket to newfound fame, isn`t it?
RALPH: It absolutely is. And if there`s one thing we keep hearing about Lindsay Lohan which is true, she is probably one of the greatest young actresses.
We have yet to see her best work. So I`m rooting for her. Lindsay Lohan, girl friend, stay on the right road because this is your shot.
HAMMER: Yes. Let the important stuff finally come front and center, Lindsay. Please.
RALPH: Yes.
HAMMER: There`s also some big-time controversy today about this movie, "Gotti: Three Generations." SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there as John Travolta was seen hugging the Gotti family today.
Now, not everybody is happy that John Travolta may be playing John Gotti, Sr. in a flattering way. That`s how John Gotti, Jr. kind of described the character. I asked John Travolta about the controversy today when I spoke with him in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsmaker. Watch what he told me.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(on camera) So it seems like a genuine love fest going on with you and John Gotti, Jr. there. How instrumental was he in your ultimately taking this part?
TRAVOLTA: A lot, and his warmth and genuine family man attitude just won me over and his complete honesty. You know, this man is the real deal. You know, I really was impressed with all of that.
And I thought it would be very interesting. He`d be the right guy to tap for all of the information I need to play role well.
HAMMER: And you`ve played, certainly, some nefarious characters throughout your career. This is an exception. This is a real guy you`re going to be playing here and a real guy who admittedly has done some pretty bad things.
It sounds like he`s going to be played or it sounds like they`re looking for him to come across as somewhat sympathetic.
Obviously, it`s your job to do the best you can with the material you`ve been given. But was there any reluctance in bringing a level of sympathy to a guy who has done some pretty awful things?
TRAVOLTA: No. I don`t know if that`s necessarily the goal. I think the goal is to just tell the truth and to maybe have the audience ask the question -- is it worth it? Is this kind of lifestyle worth putting -- sacrificing family, sacrificing safety, sense of well-being? Is it worth it?
So I think it`s going to be a different kind of film than you think in some ways, you know. I think all the truth will be there, all the potential violence, all the potential glamour.
But I think you may be asking a different question at the end of it than you did at the end of "Godfather" or "Good Fellas."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Megan, let me ask you really quickly, because John Gotti did do some awful things. Any danger here of John Travolta even appearing to glorify or validate the lifestyle of a gangster like Jon Gotti?
ALEXANDER: Oh, absolutely, that`s always the danger, A.J., that Hollywood glamorizes things. But in real life -- horrific.
I mean, he was charged with horrific crimes. But it also makes for a great story, and that`s why we love "The Godfather" movies and why we will probably enjoy this one.
HAMMER: Yes. And it`s Travolta`s job to do the best with the material he`s given. Megan Alexander, Sheryl Lee Ralph, I thank you both.
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT breaks news today. First, the brand-new reports about romance between "American Idol`s" Pia Toscano and "Dancing with the Stars`" Mark Ballas. We`ve got the scoop.
HAMMER: David Arquette breaks news to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about his relationship with Courteney Cox. Are they getting back together?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVID ARQUETTE, ACTOR: I mean, anybody that`s gone through something like this knows it`s really difficult. And people are complicated. We`re complicated creatures.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Big royal wedding news today. We`re just 17 days away from the real royal wedding. But we won`t have to wait that long for the William and Kate movie.
Nico Evers-Swindell and Camilla Luddington, who play William and Kate in the film are right here for a SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time now for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Nicki Minaj officially joins Britney Spears for summer tour. Webby Awards nominee: "Justin Bieber Takes Over `Funny or Die.`"
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JUSTIN BIEBER, SINGER: I`m a star. I do what stars do. I ride on yachts. I autograph lady lumps and I pay people to slap them. I talk loudly in libraries and I swim directly after I eat.
I don`t care. I once ran into a club. They said, "Sir, you`re not old enough." So I bought the club and I made it a Chuck E. Cheese.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAMILLA LUDDINGTON, ACTRESS: Kate Middleton.
NICO EVERS-SWINDELL, ACTOR: William Wales.
LUDDINGTON: Everybody knows who you are. Everyone knows who you are.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: It`s William and Kate in "William and Kate." Right now, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT breaks news about a new Lifetime movie that dramatizes how the future king met and fell in love with this future princess. And right here today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the stars who play the royal couple.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. A.J. Hammer is in New York. And A.J., is it true that you have royalty with you?
HAMMER: Yes. Well, Brooke, it`s probably about as close I`m going to get. I don`t get to go over to the royal wedding like you do. But William and Kate couldn`t make it here today. They`re a little bit busy right now.
I have the next best thing. This may be the most highly-anticipated new movie about the royal couple. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has the royal first look of the upcoming movie from Lifetime is a must-see, revealing a look at the courtship of William and Kate.
And the stars of the movie, right here with me right now in New York for a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsmaker interview. Nico Evers-Swindell plays Prince William and Camilla Luddington plays Kate Middleton in "William and Kate."
It premieres on Lifetime on Monday, April 18th, 11 days before the actual royal wedding. It`s great to have you both here.
Camilla, of course, it`s not lost really on everybody that you share the same name as Prince William`s stepmother, the former Camilla Parker- Bowles.
LUDDINGTON: Yes.
HAMMER: That`s strange in and of itself. A little bit of a coincidence here. But what`s the strangest thing that has happened to you since you took on this role?
LUDDINGTON: I think one of the strangest things that`s happened is being followed by reporters because I`m never really doing anything that interesting, I think.
And yet, for some reason, they find their way to follow me around. And that`s kind of a bizarre experience. But it actually helped with the role because, you know, Kate does get followed by paparazzi and stuff, and it`s an uncomfortable feeling. So it really did help me with certain scenes. Yes.
HAMMER: Now, you know what she`s doing?
LUDDINGTON: I know what it`s like. Exactly.
HAMMER: There`s one scene in "William and Kate" that I found particularly interesting. William and Kate have an argument about whether or not they wanted to make their new relationship public.
LUDDINGTON: Yes.
HAMMER: Roll it out, Charles.
EVERS-SWINDELL: I want to keep our relationship private. As soon as they find out about us, they`ll follow us everywhere and make our lives miserable.
LUDDINGTON: I`m your girlfriend. I just thought you`d want to spend some time with me at your party.
EVERS-SWINDELL: Of course, I want to spend time with you, but I have responsibilities.
LUDDINGTON: People think that Jecca`s your girlfriend.
EVERS-SWINDELL: That`s ridiculous and I don`t care what other people think.
LUDDINGTON: I do.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: See, now that`s a side of William and Kate that we never see. You look at what we see in public. They`re always so lovey-dovey.
But Nico, you know, from what you were able to learn and what we see in the movie, it`s not really always that way. I mean, they`re like every other couple. They have their spats?
EVERS-SWINDELL: Right. And I think that`s what this film intends to show, is that, you know, there was way real dilemma on their hands, you know.
Here you have a boy -- a man, becoming a man, who comes from a very extraordinary background, trying to be normal, who meets a normal girl who`s moving into an extraordinary circumstance. And their worlds collide and they have this dilemma and they`ve got to try and make it work.
HAMMER: Now, Kate --
EVERS-SWINDELL: Camilla --
HAMMER: See, it`s happening. Is that convincing --
LUDDINGTON: Princess --
HAMMER: Princess. Yes. You didn`t wear the tiara, but that`s OK. You do have some special insight into Kate, and what her life must be like. Yes, you got to play her and you had to research. But you also grew up, I understand, not that far from where she lived.
LUDDINGTON: Yes, absolutely. We`re from the same county in England, Berkshire.
HAMMER: OK. So if she were to call you and say, "Camilla, you know, you kind of have a sense of what I`m going through. What kind of advice would you have for me?" What would you tell her?
LUDDINGTON: You know what I would tell her? I would say don`t read newspapers or listen to other people and just really concentrate on your relationship and on what you guys have because it`s obviously something special.
And I think so many other relationships can get detailed by press and the stress, you know, of the public looking to -- and their expectations.
HAMMER: Yes.
LUDDINGTON: I would just say focus on your relationship and be happy.
HAMMER: Can you picture Kate on the Internet reading the blogs about it? I don`t think so.
LUDDINGTON: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Facebook friends.
HAMMER: Nico, let me ask you this.
EVERS-SWINDELL: Yes.
HAMMER: After playing the part of the prince, is this a life that you would have any interest in leading?
EVERS-SWINDELL: Oh, wonderful.
HAMMER: Really?
EVERS-SWINDELL: No. I mean, there are certain aspects that -- no, I mean, it`s an incredible journey.
HAMMER: No. It`s incredible, but probably a little too much.
EVERS-SWINDELL: Yes, yes.
HAMMER: I do have to leave it there. It`s great to meet you guys. Congratulations on the fine work, obviously fine enough that I`m calling you Kate already.
And you can check out "William and Kate" premiering on Lifetime Monday, April 18th, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. To find out more about this TV movie event, you can check out "MyLifetime.com."
ANDERSON: I cannot wait for that. OK. New outrage over Karina Smirnoff and her decision to pose for "Playboy." Is the star who burns at the ballroom floor on "Dancing with the Stars" getting cold feet about the whole thing today?
HAMMER: The woman at the center of the Brett Favre sexting firestorm is speaking out for the very first time today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JENN STERGER, BRETT FAVRE`S ALLEGED SEXTING VICTIM: I didn`t want it to get out. I dealt with it, and it was over. The story comes out and it`s like someone punches you in the stomach.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Jenn Sterger, who claims Brett Favre sexted her, tells her story today.
ANDERSON: A Kardashian reality show on the rocks? Khloe Kardashian and her husband Lamar Odom reveal while the plug was nearly pulled on their show. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
HAMMER: It`s time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Angelina Jolie launching a private jewelry line "Style of Jolie" to benefit charity.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: We`ve got big Justin Bieber news today. The Biebs blasts the paparazzi.
HAMMER: Yes. Justin ripping into the paparazzi today for reportedly following him while he took in the holy sights in Israel, Brooke.
ANDERSON: That`s right. Justin happens to be on his "My World" tour and unleashed a Twitter tirade today about the pesky paparazzi. A.J., tell us what he said.
HAMMER: You`ve got to hear some of these. Here`s what he writes, "They should be ashamed of themselves. Take pictures of me eating but not in a place of prayer. Ridiculous."
"I wanted to see this country and all the places I`ve dreamed of, and whether it`s the paps or being pulled into politics, it`s been frustrating."
Bieber goes on to say, "I`m just excited at this point to get on stage and perform. Going to take a little break from Twitter and enjoy this time with my family until then. Patience is a virtue."
Brooke, it is unfortunate, of course, but Justin`s got to realize even the paparazzi are -- you know, even when they`re being inconsiderate, it`s going to happen because he`s not the same as everybody else.
ANDERSON: No, he`s not. I agree with that, A.J. But I agree with Justin that some places should be off limits to the paparazzi.
HAMMER: Yes. I totally agree with that. All right. Moving on. Did you see this? It`s an all-out war between "The Office" star, John Krasinski, and "30 Rock" star, Aleck Baldwin.
You see, John is a Red Sox fan, Alec a Yankees fan. And in a brand- new online video for the cap maker, New Era, the two go head-to-head in a good old-fashioned Yankee versus Red Sox smack talk smackdown.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALEC BALDWIN, ACTOR: Hello, John.
JOHN KRASINSKI, ACTOR: Hey, quick question. Are you a Phillies fan now, since you guys couldn`t get Cliff Lee and he went to Philadelphia for less money?
BALDWIN: First of all, Yankee fans don`t consider Philadelphia to be a legitimate sports town, John. You know that.
KRASINSKI: I`m worried for you. Are you prepared. It`s going to be the worst misery you`ve ever experienced in the history of this rivalry.
BALDWIN: John, John, John, for the last time, this is not a history. Just like fire doesn`t have rivalry with kindling, lawnmowers don`t have a rivalry with grass. America doesn`t have a rivalry with Costa Rica.
KRASINSKI: Let me ask you something seriously though. How are you a Yankees fan at all? It`s like being a huge fan of fascism.
BALDWIN: No. It`s like being a huge fan of winning, which we do relentlessly.
KRASINSKI: Not this year, man. Not this year.
BALDWIN: A sick Sox fan. Go ahead, celebrate in April. We`ll dance in October.
KRASINSKI: You`ll be dead in October. Was that a little too much?
BALDWIN: I think you know it was.
KRASINSKI: Sorry, I just got a little worked up.
BALDWIN: We all do.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Very good. Love that. Clearly, John and Alec are not alone in their passion for the Red Sox and Yankees.
ANDERSON: No wonder they are so funny. I love it. OK. And now, the SHOWBIZ lineup -- here`s what`s coming up at the bottom of the hour on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT breaks news -- David Arquette opens up today about being sober and about Courteney Cox.
And SHOWBIZ breaks more news today, big news about the reported romance between "American Idol`s" Pia Toscano and "Dancing with the Stars`" Mark Ballas.
And is Katie Couric leaving CBS? What Katie just told Barbara Walters today. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
It`s time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Steven Tyler memoir out in May, "Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?" Wendy Williams graces cover of "Essence" for "Girlfriends" issue.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Big news breaking today on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT -- red-hot reality romance. "American Idol`s" Pia Toscano and "Dancing with the Stars`" Mark Ballas. SHOWBIZ breaks big news today about their hookup.
ANDERSON: David Arquette, trying to bounce back. Has he kicked his demons? Has he won Courteney back?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ARQUETTE: Anybody that`s gone through something like this knows it`s really difficult. And people are complicated. We`re complicated creatures.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with big news from David himself.
HAMMER: Karina Smirnoff, from dancing feet to cold feet? Is the "Dancing with the Stars" performer having regrets about "Playboy" today? Our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, did Karina make a big mistake?
Plus, breaking today from the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker," the Obamas reunite with Oprah. And Tori Spelling`s baby joy.
ANNOUNCER: TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.
(MUSIC)
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from New York City.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. And SHOWBIZ breaks big news today.
HAMMER: Yes. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that we`ve apparently gotten to the bottom of the real story behind the romance between former "American Idol" contestant, Pia Toscano and Mark Ballas from "Dancing with the Stars."
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT brings you startling new details and it comes from the guy who claims he set them up. That`s just one of the big stories breaking now. Here`s the SHOWBIZ buzz today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(voice-over) Kim`s "Cosmo" controversy. Kim Kardashian is upset that "Cosmo" put her on the cover of its April edition in Turkey. Turns out, bad timing.
The reason? In April, Armenians commemorated genocide believed to have been committed by Turkey nearly 100 years ago. The problem -- Kim is Armenian.
Kim just blogged, "When I did this shoot for the international cover, I had no idea that Turkey was planning to run my story on their cover this month. Considering Genocide Remembrance Day is this month, my Armenian heritage means a lot to me." "Cosmo" is reportedly apologetic.
Black beats Bieber and Gaga. We just learned that the 13-year-old Rebecca Black`s viral video hit, "Friday," has now been watched more than 100 million times online. That`s more than Lady Gaga`s "Born This Way" and Justin Bieber`s "Pray" for most online views.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT breaks "Idol" news. Former "Idol" contestant, Pia Toscano tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT she has not signed a record deal yet. And what about the reports that she with "Dancing with the Stars`" Mark Ballas are an item?
(on camera): People are going to want to know about your personal life.
PIA TOSCANO, FORMER "AMERICAN IDOL" CONTESTANT: Right.
HAMMER: I`ve got to ask you, you know, this is going to be the first thing that everybody is going to be asking you about. Of course, you`ve seen the reports. You and Mark Ballas are an item from "Dancing with the Stars." Can you set the record straight on that?
TOSCANO: Well, we just went out with a bunch of people. You know, we`re just friends really. And you know, we had a great time. We went out with a group.
HAMMER: You`re not officially dating? Nothing?
TOSCANO: No.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: OK. I like her. I`m buying what she`s saying. But since I interviewed Pia, we have learned a lot more. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is breaking big news today about what may really be going on between Pia Toscano and Mark Ballas.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was there last night backstage at "Dancing with the Stars." And contestant Chris Jericho dropped a bombshell on us. He revealed that he actually played matchmaker with these two. Watch this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS JERICHO, "DANCING WITH THE STARS" CONTESTANT: I saw Pia. She said that she thought Mark was cool. So I get her number, gave it to Mark. And look what happens. Jericho took out his arrow and shot the arrow of love.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: All right. So maybe -- I don`t know that Chris Jericho should trade in his spandex for a bow and arrow or something like that.
With me in New York, Shelley Wade, who is a radio host at Z100 in New York.
What do you think? To our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, are Pia and Mark the perfect couple, Shelley?
SHELLEY WADE, RADIO HOST, Z100: I think right now perfect for publicity.
HAMMER: No kidding.
WADE: She`s getting more publicity than anybody on that show right now, even Jennifer Lopez who has an album coming out. So yes, perfect for publicity.
HAMMER: All right. I still want to believe her if she says it`s not true. But let me go over to Jenn Hobby in Atlanta. Jenn is the co-host of the nationally syndicated morning radio show, "The Bert Show."
So what do you think, Jenn? To our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, Pia and Mark, perfect couple?
JENN HOBBY, CO-HOST, "THE BERT SHOW": Absolutely. These two are the perfect couple. They`re so adorable. They are both really hot right now, both in reality television.
This is like when you were in college and dated the guy who was in the same apartment complex as you. They`re working on the same CBS lot out in L.A. on both of those shows. So they meet. They connect. I think it`s adorable. Very cute.
HAMMER: It`s like they`re on the same campus. Why the heck not? It happens all the time.
HOBBY: Right. Right.
HAMMER: I told Pia because, you know, I felt the need to perhaps dispel a little bit of advice. When I spoke to her in the SHOWBIZ newsmaker interview, I told her she`s got to get used to the fact that the speculation about her love life will always go on. Watch this.
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(on camera) Here`s the thing. Just be prepared for this. You`re not going to be able to go out to dinner, to a movie with just a friend if they`re of the opposite sex in particular without people saying you`re a couple.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. So Shelley, what do you think? Is this going to wind up being the real deal? Because that really is true for any celebrity. You go out with somebody from the opposite sex and people have already made the match.
WADE: Well, first of all, they were spotted in the parking lot together. I mean, if they went out with a bunch of people, why didn`t the bunch of people hang out with them, too? It`s just those two.
So I don`t know. It could be a legitimate couple. But it`s definitely like I said. Good for both of them for pub right now.
HAMMER: No kidding, and they`re awfully cute, aren`t they?
WADE: Yes. Very cute.
HAMMER: All right. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT also breaking big news about David Arquette. Brooke, what is going on with David today?
ANDERSON: A.J., well, we know that David has been battling to bounce back from his split from wife Courteney Cox and his battle in rehab.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there last night here in Hollywood at the premiere of his new film, "Scream 4." David is co-starring, of course, with Courteney in the movie. Got to watch what he told us.
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ARQUETTE: Anybody who`s gone through something like this knows it`s really difficult. And people are complicated. We`re complicated creatures.
And well, the one thing I do know is that we`re a family. We will be together forever, regardless if we`re married or not. But we`re treating each other kindly and with respect. And that`s a really important thing to do in a process like this.
You know, I was really heartbroken and I -- you know, I wasn`t true to myself. I`m working on myself, and I`m trying to be a better person. And that`s sort of my responsibility, taking responsibility and recognizing who I really am.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I just have to say, wow. What a difference a few months make. I`ve got to say that David really sounds like he`s getting a grip on life after the split and after rehab. But Jenn, are you convinced that he`s finally kicked his demons?
HOBBY: You know, Brooke, I really think that only the person suffering from an addiction and battling any sort of addiction can be the one to say whether they`re really over it or through it or not.
But it certainly seems to me that he is really giving 150 percent effort to get well, get healthy, and be really kind to Courteney, who could be his soon to-be ex-wife. It seems that they`re doing this very kindly and diplomatically which I think great example in the media for couples all around who have children and who are going through a divorce. They`re serving as a great example.
ANDERSON: Yes. And they`re trying to protect their child and be mature about the whole thing. And David just tweeted actually that he has been sober for more than 100 days now. Congratulations to him.
HOBBY: That`s great.
ANDERSON: I think he looked great. He looked fit, healthy. He sounded great when he opened up to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT at that "Scream 4" premiere. What do you say, Shelley? Has David gotten his stuff together? Or should he be careful about getting too cocky?
WADE: Well, you know what? He doesn`t seem like he`s getting cocky at all to me. And he seems like he`s really is investing a lot of the time that it takes to get better.
You know, Courteney is the one that seems like -- she the one making the decision as to whether they`re going to stay together or not. And he`s just really hoping it`s going to happen.
So I don`t know. It seems like he`s making the effort. I think it`s really good that he`s been sober for a while now.
ANDERSON: yes. And maybe I should use the word "confident" versus "cocky." I agree with you. And you know, girls, everybody has been talking about the big trip that David and Courteney just took to Disney World with their daughter, Coco.
So the big buzz, speaking of what Shelley was just talking about, is that they may be close to reuniting. I know that David would love to see it. Jenn, I would love to see it, too. But does it sound farfetched to you?
HOBBY: We really never know what`s going on behind closed-doors with this couple or with any couple for that matter.
ANDERSON: Right.
HOBBY: But what a great love story this would be, what a great triumph and a great story for their romance.
ANDERSON: Yes. They`ve been married 11 years. Shelley Wade, Jenn Hobby, thank you both, ladies.
HAMMER: So Karina Smirnoff is getting naked and then getting cold feet? What`s going on here? Well, we have new signs today that the "Dancing with the Stars" performer may actually be regretting posing for "Playboy." It`s our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint -- did Karina make a big mistake?
ANDERSON: Bombshell confessions about Brett Favre today. For the first time, the woman who claims football great sent her steamy texts tells her emotional story.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STERGER: I didn`t want it to get out. I dealt with it and it was over. The story comes out and it`s like someone punches you in the stomach.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is asking today, do you think people have sympathy for her?
HAMMER: Barbara Walters compares Katie Couric to Donald Trump? Yes, it`s all because Katie might be leaving CBS. It`s Barbara and Katie`s new TV showdown on "The View" today. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
Time for the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: President Obama to appear on "Oprah" in show airing May 2. Webby Award nominee: Antoine Dodson`s "Bed Intruder" best viral video.
(MUSIC)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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BARBARA WALTERS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": Would you finally confirm that you`re leaving already? Or are you going to be like Donald Trump?
HAMMER: Did Barbara Walters really just compare Katie Couric to Donald Trump because Katie won`t say if she`s leaving CBS? Wow. Well, is she or isn`t she? You`ve got to hear Katie`s response today.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Brooke Anderson is in Hollywood. And there have been so many reports floating around which have been getting more and more intense in recent weeks, Brooke, that Katie is bolting from CBS possibly for her own talk show.
ANDERSON: Right, A.J. Well, today, Barbara Walters tried to pin Katie down. Is she leaving? Would she announce it on "The View"? It was a test of wills between two of the best journalists in the business. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WALTERS: Will you finally confirm that you`re leaving?
KATIE COURIC, ANCHOR, "CBS EVENING NEWS": No, because right now I`m in -- first of all, I don`t think it`s my place to do that. I haven`t made a decision. I`m in the middle of discussions.
I respect you wanting to answer this question. I respect you wanting to make news on "The View." But I just don`t -- I`m not in a position to really discuss it at this point in time.
WALTERS: Let me ask you --
(CROSS TALK)
COURIC: Oh, here we go. Listen, I`ve learned from the master so I`m not going to fall for this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: She stood firm. And by the way, Katie was actually on "The View" to promote her new book, "The Best Advice I Ever Got."
HAMMER: Yes. You`ve got to figure Barbara`s going to try though, right?
HAMMER: And there`s more news breaking today. Is "Dancing with the Stars`" Karina Smirnoff actually getting cold feet over her "Playboy" pictorial? Now, Hugh Hefner is calling her centerfold shoot "unforgettable."
But brand-new revelations today suggest that Karina is having a change of heart. Now, Karina was supposed to go on a whirlwind press tour to promote her "Playboy" debut. And now, Smirnoff has pulled out of all of her interviews, including, by the way, a stop right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. That leads to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint -- is Karina now regretting her decision?
We bring in "Inside Edition" correspondent, Megan Alexander. Look, everybody I`ve talked to thinks it`s not really a big deal that Karina posed for "Playboy."
But it`s pretty clear that she doesn`t want to talk about it, Megan. So to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, do you think Karina thinks she made a big mistake and is now regretting the decision to pose for "Playboy"?
ALEXANDER: Look, I think there`s a very good possibility because, at the end of the day, I think a lot of people still say hey, "Playboy" is pornography.
And I think the producers of "Dancing with the Stars" have done a really good job -- yes, they`re skimpy outfits and so forth but -- to make it a family show.
HAMMER: Yes.
ALEXANDER: And the audience is primarily composed of families.
HAMMER: All right.
ALEXANDER: I think there`s a chance that she thought, "Wait a minute. Did I just jump to do this?" It`s a short-term decision versus a long-term decision.
HAMMER: Yes.
ALEXANDER: And those pictures are now there forever.
HAMMER: Forever. And to that end, "Dancing with the Stars," being a family show -- I can understand that Karina, being one of the show`s stars, might not want to, you know, keep the focus on that, rather on her dancing, not talking about the nude photos so much while she is right there at the show.
And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did catch up with Karina Smirnoff after "Dancing with the Stars" last night. And we tried to ask her then how she felt about posing for "Playboy." And Karina danced around the question and the answer. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KARINA SMIRNOFF, "DANCING WITH THE STARS" PERFORMER: I`m really excited about this dance tonight. That`s what I`m most excited, honestly, because we`ve worked really hard this week.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Yes. Excellent deviation from the question. Let me go to actress, producer and AIDS activist, Sheryl Lee Ralph. Sheryl Lee, to our SHOWBIZ Flashpoint, do you think that Karina`s possible reluctance to talk about "Playboy" is a sign of her regretting doing the whole thing?
RALPH: Absolutely, because "Dancing with the Stars" is about politics. It is dancing politics, and you are depending upon the votes of people.
Now, when those votes don`t come in the way they used to, yes, you better rethink what you did and what you said because you need your constituents to vote. And if they`re not, you`ve got a problem. So yes, she`s probably rethinking.
HAMMER: I can understand why she`d want to sort of lay off of it right now. I`ve got to get to another story making headlines today. For the very first time, the woman who claims Brett Favre sexted her is telling her story. This is fascinating. Brooke, what exactly did she have to say.
ANDERSON: Yes. Last fall, A.J., former Jets sideline reporter, Jenn Sterger, found herself in the middle of a texting scandal when X-rated texts and voicemail surfaced allegedly sent to her by football great, Brett Favre.
At the time, Sterger remained silent. But just this morning on "Good Morning America," she has a really strong message. She says she`s not a gold digger. She`s not a home wrecker. Take a look at what Sterger said this morning on "GMA" about how she felt when those scandalous texts and voicemails went public.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STERGER: I dealt with it and it was over. The story comes out, and it`s like someone punches you in the stomach. Because before, when you dealt with it, you dealt with it by yourself. You kept quiet.
But then, when everybody knows, when it`s out there in the public like that, there`s this perception of you that people automatically start to think, "Oh, she`s a gold digger. She`s a home wrecker." I am none of those things. I`ve never met the man.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Sheryl Lee, do you think that people are going to have sympathy for Jenn Sterger now that they know her side of the story?
RALPH: Baby, I`m not saying she`s a gold digger, but she certainly wasn`t out there in deepwater fishing for any small fish. She caught herself a huge shark in Brett Favre.
And she`s lucky all he did was take off her leg. So now, she is limping her way into fame crying on "Good Morning America." You go, Jenn. Hah, that`s some good TV.
ANDERSON: I think, you know, if what she says is true, that she did not pursue Brett Favre, that he pursued her and that she did not ask to be caught up in this scandal, then I kind of feel for her now. Megan Alexander, Sheryl Lee Ralph --
RALPH: Oh, come on.
ALEXANDER: No, no.
RALPH: No, no, no. You`ve got to look at some of her videos.
HAMMER: You`re getting voted down there, Brooke. I`ve got to move on to the Kardashian spin-off kiss-off. Brand-new details today about how the latest Kardashian reality show almost got canceled before it got started. Say it isn`t so. Khloe Kardashian tells all, next.
And now, the "SHOWBIZ News Ticker" -- more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news today.
TEXT: Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott expecting third child. Webby Award nominees: "Funny or Die`s" "Between 2 Ferns" up for three awards.
ANDERSON: It is time now for the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT buzz list. Here`s what the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT staff is buzzing about this week.
Ready, set, save. We`re buzzing about the addictive new show, "Extreme Couponing" on TLC.
Hey, grab the popcorn and tissues. We cannot wait to see the made- for-TV movie, "William and Kate" on Lifetime. It`s all about their royal romance.
We are buzzing about "Portero.com," the luxury Web site for fashionistas with caviar tastes, but on a budget.
The Beasties are back. We are jamming to the Beastie Boys` new song, "Make Some Noise."
Worst boss ever? We cannot wait to see Will Ferrell take over for Steve Carell on NBC`s "The Office" in a four-episode arc. This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN news and views.
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WILL FERRELL, ACTOR AND COMEDIAN: I`m kind of the manager in training. We`re kind of cut from the same cloth, so to speak.
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HAMMER: Oprah Winfrey`s million dollar good-bye. Advertisers who want to run commercials during the final "Oprah" show on May 25th are being asked to spend $1 million bucks for a 30 second ad.
Now, that`s according to new research out today from Horizon Media. Let me put that in perspective today. Commercials during the "Friends" farewell cost about $2 million back in 2004. And during the "Lost" finale just last year, the commercials cost around $900,000 each.
Kardashian cancellation? Could it be? Well, those Kardashian sisters, Kim, Kourtney and Khloe certainly have never met a camera they didn`t like. But the newest Kardashian show about newlyweds Khloe and Lakers star, Lamar Odom almost got shut down.
In a surprising interview today on "Ellen," Lamar reveals after pushing his wife to do the show, he actually almost pulled the plug three days in.
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KHLOE KARDASHIAN, REALITY TV STAR: Now, I knew from doing my family show how intense, how grueling and how much they are really in your face.
I personally didn`t want to do the show, not because I don`t -- I love taping. I just didn`t want to put Lamar through that pressure. And Lamar was like, "Let`s do it." Like everyone keeps asking, "Let`s do it."
LAMAR ODOM, BASKETBALL STAR: I thought it was going to be easy. It was really tough.
KHLOE KARDASHIAN: He did. Three days into it?
ODOM: I`m competitive by nature.
KHLOE KARDASHIAN: Right.
ODOM: And I was like I can do that easy. And like three days into it I was like, "Do we have to finish?"
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HAMMER: And in case you`re having trouble keeping count of the Kardashian shows, they now have three namesake shows on "E!"
ANDERSON: They are taking over. Seventeen days and counting to the royal wedding. We have been getting so many amazing entries for our contest to be the official CNN royal wedding iReporter, like this one from Diane in Colorado.
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DIANE LITTLEFIELD(ph), IREPORTER FROM COLORADO: Hi. My name is Diane Littlefield(ph). Here are some people. Let`s check with them. Oh, I`m very excited.
LITTLEFIELD: Do you think she`s a queen?
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Yes.
LITTLEFIELD: It would be a fairy tale. I would love to go there and see it in person. I am a personal historian, mom, grandmother, friend, and princess at heart.
I`d do a great job as an iReporter. With my background as personal historian, I know kind of the right questions to ask.
When Princess Diana died, that was a major shock to me. It got my mind -- it was like fairy tales don`t end this way. They have happy endings.
Mom, myself, Princess Diana would have been so proud of her son and his choice of bride. Now, the fairytale begins again and that`s exciting.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: How in the world are we going to choose? They are all so good. Thank you, Diane. Look for the big announcement of the royal wedding iReporter soon. And I will be right there covering the royal wedding beginning April 25th.
HAMMER: And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Thank you for watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is live at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Monday through Friday.
HAMMER: And we`re still TV`s most provocative entertainment news show at 11:00 Eastern and Pacific right here on HLN.
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